eTRU Refrigerated Warehouse Technology Demonstrations

Thomas Perrot, New West Technologies, LLC
Joseph Tario, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Philip Lavrich, Carrier Corporation
Jeffrey Kim and Joseph Licari, Shurepower, LLC
Russell Owens, New West Technologies, LLC

Keywords

Abstract

Diesel-engine-driven trailer refrigeration units (TRUs) have been the standard means for reliably keeping fresh and frozen foods cool in over-the-road transport. They are critical to maintaining a high level of quality and safety in our national ‘cold chain’. However, the diesel engines that power TRUs emit noise and air pollutants while the unit is running on diesel power. With the rising fuel prices, the cost of running these units has increased.
An alterative to using a diesel engine full-time is to use an electric Trailer Refrigeration Unit (eTRU) that has electrically driven components and can be powered by either an on-board diesel generator or a shore-power grid connection. While this unit is connected to shore power, diesel usage is eliminated completely, reducing cost and the related diesel emissions. It also offers higher inherent reliability, requires less refrigerant charge, and has a much lower potential for leakage. However, eTRUs built to U.S. specifications face several market penetration barriers – primarily, higher initial costs and the lack of a significant shore-power infrastructure.
To overcome these barriers, a team of experts was assembled to demonstrate a U.S.-spec eTRU. The team, consisting of Shurepower, LLC, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Transport Partnership, U.S. Department of Energy, Carrier Transicold, New West Technologies, LLC, Maines Paper & Food Service Inc., Willow Run Foods Incorporated, and New York State Electric and Gas, is demonstrating and collecting real-world data on the fuel and emissions impact of eTRUs in New York State.